2021–22 Liga III

Football league season

The 2021–22 Liga III was the 66th season of Liga III, the third tier of the Romanian football league system. The season began in August 2021 and ended on 28 May 2022.

This season was the second consecutive with a format that included 100 teams (10x10). The format was changed before the previous season, due to the financial problems generated by the COVID-19 pandemic.^[1] The difference this season is that a play-off and play-out was introduced between the regular season and the promotion play-offs.

Team changes

Renamed teams

CSO Cugir was renamed as Metalurgistul Cugir.^[2]

CSC Sânmartin was renamed as Lotus Băile Felix.^[3]

1. FC Gloria was renamed as Gloria Bistrița-Năsăud.^[4]

Excluded teams

Astra II, Gaz Metan II Mediaș, Concordia II Chiajna, Mostiștea Ulmu, Măgura Cisnădie, Avântul Valea Mărului, Axiopolis Cernavodă and Comuna Recea withdrew from the championship during the summer break.

Spared from relegation

Făurei, Universitatea II Craiova, Hermannstadt II and Minerul Costești were spared from relegation on the vacant places left by the excluded teams.^[4]

Enrolled teams

Argeș II Pitești, CFR II Cluj and Viitorul II Târgu Jiu were enrolled in the Liga III as the second teams of Liga I clubs Argeș Pitești and CFR Cluj, respectively the second team of Liga II side Viitorul Târgu Jiu, also on the vacant places left by the excluded teams.^[4]

Viitorul Cluj was enrolled directly in the third tier due to good results obtained in the youth leagues organized by the Romanian Football Federation.

League map

Ceahlăul

Șomuz

Bucovina

Foresta

Hușana

CSM

Vaslui

Miroslava

Pașcani

Dante

Metalul

Aerostar

Rm. Sărat

Liești

Focșani

Făurei

Oțelul

Ianca

Chiscani

Dinamo

Farul II

Fetești

Modelu

Afumați

Agricola

Gloria

Oltenița

Recolta

Bucharest

Bascov

Bradu

Flacăra Moreni

Argeș II

Râșnov

Kids Tâmpa

Blejoi

Plopeni

SR Brașov

Sepsi OSK II

Odorhei

FCH II

KSE

Pucioasa

Costești

Horezu

Filiași

Potcoava

Alexandria

Vedița

Dăești

Roșiori

Craiova II

Slatina

Deva

Pandurii

Reșița

Jiul

Șimian

Gilortul

Ezeriș

Viitorul II

Aurul

Lupac

Dumbrăvița

Pobeda

Ghiroda

Crișul

Curtici

Pecica

Cermei

Lipova

ACS Poli

Periam

Reghin

Hunedoara

Ungheni

Ocna Mureș

Metalurgistul

Sănătatea

Arieșul

Unirea

Gloria

Viitorul Cluj

Zalău

Minaur

CFR II

CAO

Luceafărul

Șimleu Silvaniei

Satu Mare

Someșul

Lotus

Șomcuta Mare

class=notpageimage|

Locations of Liga III clubs by series
Seria I   Seria II   Seria III   Seria IV   Seria V   Seria VI   Seria VII   Seria VIII   Seria IX   Seria X  

Popești-Leordeni

Voluntari II

Progresul

Rapid II

FCSB II

Dinamo II

Tunari

Clinceni II

class=notpageimage|

Locations of Liga III clubs from Bucharest and the vicinity
Seria 3   Seria 4  

Regular season

Seria I

Source: FRF (in Romanian), Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-head points; 3) Head-to-head goal difference; 4) Head-to-head goals scored; 5) Head-to-head away goals scored; 6) Goal difference; 7) Goals scored; 8)Play-off.^[5]
Notes:

1. Hușana Huși–Bucovina Rădăuți 0–0; Bucovina Rădăuți–Hușana Huși 3–2
2. Sporting Vaslui–Șomuz Fălticeni 1–1; Șomuz Fălticeni–Sporting Vaslui 1–1

Seria II

Source: FRF (in Romanian), Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-head points; 3) Head-to-head goal difference; 4) Head-to-head goals scored; 5) Head-to-head away goals scored; 6) Goal difference; 7) Goals scored; 8)Play-off.^[5]
Notes:

1. Sporting Liești–Viitorul Ianca 4–2; Viitorul Ianca–Sporting Liești 3–1

Seria III

Source: FRF (in Romanian), Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-head points; 3) Head-to-head goal difference; 4) Head-to-head goals scored; 5) Head-to-head away goals scored; 6) Goal difference; 7) Goals scored; 8)Play-off.^[5]
Notes:

1. Farul II Constanța–Agricola Borcea 5–1; Agricola Borcea–Farul II Constanța 1–0

Seria IV

Source: FRF (in Romanian), Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-head points; 3) Head-to-head goal difference; 4) Head-to-head goals scored; 5) Head-to-head away goals scored; 6) Goal difference; 7) Goals scored; 8)Play-off.^[5]
Notes:

1. Real Bradu–Dinamo II București 2–0; Dinamo II București–Real Bradu 3–1

Seria V

Source: FRF (in Romanian), Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-head points; 3) Head-to-head goal difference; 4) Head-to-head goals scored; 5) Head-to-head away goals scored; 6) Goal difference; 7) Goals scored; 8)Play-off.^[5]
Notes:

1. Sepsi OSK II–Olimpic Cetate Râșnov 2–1; Olimpic Cetate Râșnov–Sepsi OSK II 1–0
2. Hermannstadt II–KSE Târgu Secuiesc 1–1; KSE Târgu Secuiesc–Hermannstadt II 0–0
3. SR Brașov–Kids Tâmpa Brașov 1–0; Kids Tâmpa Brașov–SR Brașov 2–0

Seria VI

Source: FRF (in Romanian), Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-head points; 3) Head-to-head goal difference; 4) Head-to-head goals scored; 5) Head-to-head away goals scored; 6) Goal difference; 7) Goals scored; 8)Play-off.^[5]
Notes:

1. Sporting Roșiori–Filiași 2–2; Filiași–Sporting Roșiori 1–1
2. Universitatea II Craiova–Flacăra Horezu 1–0; Flacăra Horezu–Universitatea II Craiova 0–0

Seria VII

Source: FRF (in Romanian), Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-head points; 3) Head-to-head goal difference; 4) Head-to-head goals scored; 5) Head-to-head away goals scored; 6) Goal difference; 7) Goals scored; 8)Play-off.^[5]

Seria VIII

Source: FRF (in Romanian), Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-head points; 3) Head-to-head goal difference; 4) Head-to-head goals scored; 5) Head-to-head away goals scored; 6) Goal difference; 7) Goals scored; 8)Play-off.^[5]
(E) Eliminated
Notes:

1. Progresul Pecica–Gloria Lunca-Teuz Cermei 1–1; Gloria Lunca-Teuz Cermei–Progresul Pecica 1–1
2. Poli Timișoara withdrew from Liga III after the 2nd round.

Seria IX

Source: FRF (in Romanian), Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-head points; 3) Head-to-head goal difference; 4) Head-to-head goals scored; 5) Head-to-head away goals scored; 6) Goal difference; 7) Goals scored; 8)Play-off.^[5]
Notes:

1. Avântul Reghin–Sticla Arieșul Turda 1–0; Sticla Arieșul Turda–Avântul Reghin 3–1

Seria X

Source: FRF (in Romanian), Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-head points; 3) Head-to-head goal difference; 4) Head-to-head goals scored; 5) Head-to-head away goals scored; 6) Goal difference; 7) Goals scored; 8)Play-off.^[5]
Notes:

1. Luceafărul Oradea was deducted 4 points on the 1st of March 2022 after failing to pay players’ salaries.

Play-off round

Seria I

Source: FRF (in Romanian), Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Points in the regular season; 3) Head-to-head points; 4) Head-to-head goal difference; 5) Head-to-head goals scored; 6) Head-to-head away goals scored; 7) Goal difference (regular season + play off); 8) Goals scored (regular season + play off); 9) Play-off.^[5]
(C) Champions; (Q) Qualified for the phase indicated

Seria II

Source: FRF (in Romanian), Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Points in the regular season; 3) Head-to-head points; 4) Head-to-head goal difference; 5) Head-to-head goals scored; 6) Head-to-head away goals scored; 7) Goal difference (regular season + play off); 8) Goals scored (regular season + play off); 9) Play-off.^[5]
(C) Champions; (Q) Qualified for the phase indicated

Seria III

Source: FRF (in Romanian), Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Points in the regular season; 3) Head-to-head points; 4) Head-to-head goal difference; 5) Head-to-head goals scored; 6) Head-to-head away goals scored; 7) Goal difference (regular season + play off); 8) Goals scored (regular season + play off); 9) Play-off.^[5]
(C) Champions; (Q) Qualified for the phase indicated

Seria IV

Source: FRF (in Romanian), Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Points in the regular season; 3) Head-to-head points; 4) Head-to-head goal difference; 5) Head-to-head goals scored; 6) Head-to-head away goals scored; 7) Goal difference (regular season + play off); 8) Goals scored (regular season + play off); 9) Play-off.^[5]
(C) Champions; (Q) Qualified for the phase indicated

Seria V

Source: FRF (in Romanian), Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Points in the regular season; 3) Head-to-head points; 4) Head-to-head goal difference; 5) Head-to-head goals scored; 6) Head-to-head away goals scored; 7) Goal difference (regular season + play off); 8) Goals scored (regular season + play off); 9) Play-off.^[5]
(C) Champions; (Q) Qualified for the phase indicated

Seria VI

Source: FRF (in Romanian), Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Points in the regular season; 3) Head-to-head points; 4) Head-to-head goal difference; 5) Head-to-head goals scored; 6) Head-to-head away goals scored; 7) Goal difference (regular season + play off); 8) Goals scored (regular season + play off); 9) Play-off.^[5]
(C) Champions; (Q) Qualified for the phase indicated

Seria VII

Source: FRF (in Romanian), Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Points in the regular season; 3) Head-to-head points; 4) Head-to-head goal difference; 5) Head-to-head goals scored; 6) Head-to-head away goals scored; 7) Goal difference (regular season + play off); 8) Goals scored (regular season + play off); 9) Play-off.^[5]
(C) Champions; (Q) Qualified for the phase indicated

Seria VIII

Source: FRF (in Romanian), Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Points in the regular season; 3) Head-to-head points; 4) Head-to-head goal difference; 5) Head-to-head goals scored; 6) Head-to-head away goals scored; 7) Goal difference (regular season + play off); 8) Goals scored (regular season + play off); 9) Play-off.^[5]
(C) Champions; (Q) Qualified for the phase indicated

Seria IX

Source: FRF (in Romanian), Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Points in the regular season; 3) Head-to-head points; 4) Head-to-head goal difference; 5) Head-to-head goals scored; 6) Head-to-head away goals scored; 7) Goal difference (regular season + play off); 8) Goals scored (regular season + play off); 9) Play-off.^[5]
(C) Champions; (Q) Qualified for the phase indicated

Seria X

Source: FRF (in Romanian), Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Points in the regular season; 3) Head-to-head points; 4) Head-to-head goal difference; 5) Head-to-head goals scored; 6) Head-to-head away goals scored; 7) Goal difference (regular season + play off); 8) Goals scored (regular season + play off); 9) Play-off.^[5]
(C) Champions; (Q) Qualified for the phase indicated

Play-out round

Seria I

Source: FRF (in Romanian), Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Points in the regular season; 3) Head-to-head points; 4) Head-to-head goal difference; 5) Head-to-head goals scored; 6) Head-to-head away goals scored; 7) Goal difference (regular season + play out); 8) Goals scored (regular season + play out); 9) Play-off.^[5]
(O) Play-off winners; (R) Relegated

Seria II

Source: FRF (in Romanian), Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Points in the regular season; 3) Head-to-head points; 4) Head-to-head goal difference; 5) Head-to-head goals scored; 6) Head-to-head away goals scored; 7) Goal difference (regular season + play out); 8) Goals scored (regular season + play out); 9) Play-off.^[5]
(O) Play-off winners; (R) Relegated

Seria III

Source: FRF (in Romanian), Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Points in the regular season; 3) Head-to-head points; 4) Head-to-head goal difference; 5) Head-to-head goals scored; 6) Head-to-head away goals scored; 7) Goal difference (regular season + play out); 8) Goals scored (regular season + play out); 9) Play-off.^[5]
(O) Play-off winners; (R) Relegated

Seria IV

Source: FRF (in Romanian), Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Points in the regular season; 3) Head-to-head points; 4) Head-to-head goal difference; 5) Head-to-head goals scored; 6) Head-to-head away goals scored; 7) Goal difference (regular season + play out); 8) Goals scored (regular season + play out); 9) Play-off.^[5]
(O) Play-off winners; (R) Relegated

Seria V

Source: FRF (in Romanian), Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Points in the regular season; 3) Head-to-head points; 4) Head-to-head goal difference; 5) Head-to-head goals scored; 6) Head-to-head away goals scored; 7) Goal difference (regular season + play out); 8) Goals scored (regular season + play out); 9) Play-off.^[5]
(O) Play-off winners; (R) Relegated

Seria VI

Source: FRF (in Romanian), Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Points in the regular season; 3) Head-to-head points; 4) Head-to-head goal difference; 5) Head-to-head goals scored; 6) Head-to-head away goals scored; 7) Goal difference (regular season + play out); 8) Goals scored (regular season + play out); 9) Play-off.^[5]
(O) Play-off winners; (R) Relegated

Seria VII

Source: FRF (in Romanian), Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Points in the regular season; 3) Head-to-head points; 4) Head-to-head goal difference; 5) Head-to-head goals scored; 6) Head-to-head away goals scored; 7) Goal difference (regular season + play out); 8) Goals scored (regular season + play out); 9) Play-off.^[5]
(R) Relegated

Seria VIII

Source: FRF (in Romanian), Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Points in the regular season; 3) Head-to-head points; 4) Head-to-head goal difference; 5) Head-to-head goals scored; 6) Head-to-head away goals scored; 7) Goal difference (regular season + play out); 8) Goals scored (regular season + play out); 9) Play-off.^[5]
(D) Disqualified; (O) Play-off winners; (R) Relegated
Notes:

1. Poli Timișoara withdrew in the first part of the season and all its results were cancelled.

Seria IX

Source: FRF (in Romanian), Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Points in the regular season; 3) Head-to-head points; 4) Head-to-head goal difference; 5) Head-to-head goals scored; 6) Head-to-head away goals scored; 7) Goal difference (regular season + play out); 8) Goals scored (regular season + play out); 9) Play-off.^[5]
(O) Play-off winners; (R) Relegated

Seria X

Source: FRF (in Romanian), Soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Points in the regular season; 3) Head-to-head points; 4) Head-to-head goal difference; 5) Head-to-head goals scored; 6) Head-to-head away goals scored; 7) Goal difference (regular season + play out); 8) Goals scored (regular season + play out); 9) Play-off.^[5]
(O) Play-off winners; (R) Relegated
Notes:

1. Luceafărul Oradea was deducted 11 points after failing to pay players’ salaries.

Promotion play-offs

The promotion play-offs are disputed between the first two teams from each of the ten play-off round series. Only the best five teams will be promoted to 2022–23 Liga II.

First round

Focșani v Dante Botoșani

Foresta Suceava v Oțelul Galați

Tunari v Afumați

Popești-Leordeni v Progresul Spartac București

Viitorul Dăești v Odorheiu Secuiesc

Pucioasa v Slatina

Ghiroda v CSM Reșița

Deva v Dumbrăvița

CA Oradea v Hunedoara

Metalurgistul Cugir v Minaur Baia Mare

Dante Botoșani v Focșani

Oțelul Galați v Foresta Suceava

Afumați v Tunari

Progresul Spartac București v Popești-Leordeni

Odorheiu Secuiesc v Viitorul Dăești

Slatina v Pucioasa

CSM Reșița v Ghiroda

Dumbrăvița v Deva

Hunedoara v CA Oradea

Minaur Baia Mare v Metalurgistul Cugir

Second round

Tunari v Progresul Spartac București

Slatina v Odorheiu Secuiesc

Hunedoara v Minaur Baia Mare

Dante Botoșani v Oțelul Galați

Dumbrăvița v CSM Reșița

Oțelul Galați v Dante Botoșani

Progresul Spartac București v Tunari

Odorheiu Secuiesc v Slatina

CSM Reșița v Dumbrăvița

Minaur Baia Mare v Hunedoara

Possible relegation

At the end of the season, a special table was made between 8th places from the 10 series. The last team in this table was also relegated in the Liga IV. In this table, 8th place teams are included without the points obtained against teams that relegated in their series.

Source: FRF (in Romanian)
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored.^[6]
(R) Relegated

References

1. "LIGA 3 Noul format competițional pentru sezonul 2020/21!". frf.ro (in Romanian). 18 August 2020. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
2. Hotărârea Comitetului de Urgență din 9 iulie 2021. frf.ro (in Romanian)
3. Surprize, surprize la Sânmartin! Echipa va avea un alt nume în noul sezon. bihon.ro (in Romanian)
4. Deciziile Comitetului Executiv din 19 iulie 2021. frf.ro (in Romanian)
5. "Regulamentul de Organizare a Activității Fotbalistice" (PDF). Retrieved 13 May 2022.
6. "Liga III 2018/2019 - Season rules". Scoresway. Archived from the original on 27 June 2018. Retrieved 26 June 2018.